All About Athens GA

Think about this if you are considering buying Athens, Georgia real estate!

michelle@SuccessRealtyGa.com (Michelle DeRepentigny) — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 19:14:00 GMT

One of the most important things to remember when you are considering buying a home is : Be honest with yourself. Explore your motivation - if you are considering buying real estate because "now is a great time", it may not be your time!

There are some reasons that it may be a good time:

"First time buyers" that qualify can receive an $8000 tax credit.
Buyers can receive a state tax credit from Georgia.
Inventory is high.
Rent prices per month in Athens, GA often excced the monthly mortgage payment.

There are many reason that now may not be a great time:

You may benefit from cleaning up you credit - receive a lower interest rate.
Real Estate prices may continue to decline in the area you are interested in.
You consider real estate an investment , instead of shelter.

Just make sure you know what you are getting into and understand all your options!

Now, click here if you would like to search for Athens, GA real estate, including the surrounding area.

Athens, Georgia Fireworks for July 4th 2009 & other area celebrations!

michelle@SuccessRealtyGa.com (Michelle DeRepentigny) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 16:49:00 GMT

There will be fireworks in Athens! The STAR SPANGLED CLASSIC event in Athens, GA starts at 6:00pm on 7/4/2009 at Bishop Park and includes "concessions, family games, inflatables, patriotic arts and crafts for kids, and music. The community birthday cake, donated by Publix, will be served, as well."

The fireworks are scheduled to start at about 9:30pm. The event is free and open to the public! Athens, GA has a long history of fireworks at Bishop Park, but they had been cancelled due to budget cuts for 2009. However, the community has stepped forward and thanks to the following - we are having fireworks in Athens on July 4, 2009!

PeachMac, the Star Spangled Classic 2009 Presenting Sponsor

Advanced Asphalt Coating, the Star Spangled Classic 2009 Contributing Sponsor
Athens First Bank & Trust, the Star Spangled Classic 2009 Contributing Sponsor
Jordan, Jones & Goulding, the Star Spangled Classic 2009 Contributing Sponsor
McDonald's, the Star Spangled Classic 2009 Contributing Sponsor
Silver & Archibald, the Star Spangled Classic 2009 Contributing Sponsor
TSAV, the Star Spangled Classic 2009 Contributing Sponsor
The Athens Banner Herald, Star Spangled Classic 2009 Media Sponsor
Magic 102 FM, Star Spangled Classic 2009 Media Sponsor

Rise and shine early Saturday, July 4th 2009 to get a great spot for the Colbert, GA Fourth of July Parade. The parade features antique cars, tractors, horses, and lots more! Bring a bag for the candy thrown out to the kids! Colbert is located about 15 minutes east of Athens off Highway 72 in Colbert. The parade starts at 9am, with a festival following which features arts & crafts, concessions, and gospel & country music.

Watkinsville, GA (about 10 minutes south of Athens on Highway 441) will also play host to special Independence Day celebrations, starting Friday 7/3/2009 with First Friday on Main and a free art tour from 6pm to 9pm. On Saturday the 4th of July the Eagle Tavern will be the site of free watermelon, popcorn, cotton candy & more. There will also be music, concessions and more from 10 am to 2pm.

Be safe and have a Happy Fourth of July 2009!

Athens, GA ranked #5 for Best Cities for Jobs!

michelle@SuccessRealtyGa.com (Michelle DeRepentigny) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 04:21:00 GMT

Kiplinger's has ranked Athens, Ga as #5 in their top 10 Best Cities for Jobs and calls Athens one of the "safe havens during the recession".

Are you considering relocating? Seems like Athens, Georgia should be on your list of places to consider! Here is some additional info about Athens and feel free to ask us for a full relocation package.

Stage your Athens, GA home for a quicker sale and more money!

michelle@SuccessRealtyGa.com (Michelle DeRepentigny) — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 07:06:00 GMT

You live in every day, so maybe you don't notice the little piles and dinged corners, but when it comes time to sell your home, some strategic "staging" may make all the difference in mnimizing the time your home is on the market and maximizing your profit.

So put a few dollars and a few hours of work in place and get ready to sell!

For your viewing enjoyment, and hopeful education, I present the following "Stage Your Home" video.

Got a best tip, staging trick? Please feel free to share it in the comment below!

Award Winning Athens, GA

michelle@SuccessRealtyGa.com (Michelle DeRepentigny) — Wed, 20 May 2009 05:11:00 GMT

Those of us who already live in Athens, GA already know just how cool of a place it is, but recently Athens made the list of 2009'sTwelve Unique Cities to Visit as awarded by The National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Here's a highlight tour of Athens:

Take a look at some of the other awards and ranking for the Classic City of the South.....Athens, Georgia!

Convinced Athens is a great place to be? Check out what your money can buy and
start your search for Athens, GA real estate here.

Let me know if you need help, I'd love to show you my hometown!

Winterville, GA Marigold Festival returns this weekend for 2009!

michelle@SuccessRealtyGa.com (Michelle DeRepentigny) — Fri, 15 May 2009 20:37:00 GMT

Looking for free family, fun near Athens, GA this weekend? I'm excited that the Winterville, GA (the other city in Athens-Clarke County) is hosting the 2009 Marigold Festival after a few years off. Saturday, May 26th, 2009 is going to be an awesome day in Winterville, GA!

This festival was started in 1971 when the town's population was only 551! The festival continued to be an annual event until it was discontinued in 2003.

Don't miss JoAnn's blog about the Marigold Festival, especially if you have great stories to share about years past!

Events start at 8am with a Country Breakfast and the parade is at 10am.
Click here to see all the events and attractions.

The arts and crafts vendors are sure to be out in force, so plan plenty of time for browsing. I look forward to seeing you there!

Free admission and free parking, but bring some money for the fabulous "fair food", crafts, etc.

Don't Lose Your Home, Don't Wait Too Late!

michelle@SuccessRealtyGa.com (Michelle DeRepentigny) — Tue, 05 May 2009 17:21:00 GMT

It seems I am talking to more and more people who are behind on their mortgage payments or fear they are going to have to file bankruptcy or go into foreclosure on their home.

There are alternatives, but it is critical that homeowners explore their options as soon as possible. Loan modifications through your existing lender may take 3 to 4 months. It is becoming even more difficult to obtain approval for so called "short sales", with many lenders taking 2 months or more after a contract is received.

To view information about options, here is a list of programs that are either operated by the U.S. government or have its seal of approval:

To find a counselor, contact the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) at (800) 569-4287 or (877) 483-1515, or go to www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hcc/hccprof14.cfm

Call (888) 995-HOPE, the Homeowner’s HOPE Hotline to reach a nonprofit, HUD-approved counselor through HOPE NOW, a cooperative effort of mortgage counselors and lenders to assist homeowners.

Visit NeighborWorks America’s Web site at www.nw.org/network/home.asp

Go to this Web site for information on federal mortgage modification and refinancing programs: www.makinghomeaffordable.gov

The Controller of the Currency’s consumer information site for banking-related questions is www.helpwithmybank.gov

OCC Customer Assistance Group and consumer assistance site: www.occ.gov/customer.htm

Federal Trade Commission: www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/homes/rea04.shtm

Federal Reserve Board: www.federalreserve.gov/pubs/foreclosurescamtips/default.htm

NeighborWorks America: http://www.nw.org

HOPE NOW: www.hopenow.com

Source: Controller of the Currency (04/21/2009)

Real Estate sales is an interesting business to be in right now, with new challenges appearing every day on the sales and financing issues. If you have questions about your current situation, please feel free to contact me.

Athens, GA Real Estate Market Is Heating Up!

michelle@SuccessRealtyGa.com (Michelle DeRepentigny) — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 05:02:00 GMT

It's starting to get busy in Athens, GA as the spring housing market kicks into gear. Phones are ringing, and I am getting multiple offers on houses that are well priced. Market conditions appear to be getting better...
here's praying for a strong spring market!

Athens, Georgia Housing Market Heating Up With Warmer Weather!

michelle@SuccessRealtyGa.com (Michelle DeRepentigny) — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 05:45:00 GMT

With warmer weather comes much more activity in the Athens, GA real estate market. Last week I had competing offers on 2 of my listings and got involved in a bidding war on 1 fabulous REO home (real estate owned by a bank or mortgage company - after foreclosure) near Athens!

There is still a lot of inventory available at really great prices in and around Athens, but the houses for sale that are PRICED RIGHT, especially in the starter or affordable range (under $115,000) are moving quite quickly.

Some Good News in the Athens, GA Housing Market!

michelle@SuccessRealtyGa.com (Michelle DeRepentigny) — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 11:07:00 GMT

In a real estate market filled with doom and gloom reports every day, I just want to share some great news:

Hey North Athens....you are doing OK!

Although the average sales price in North Athens dropped a little, the median sales price has gone up in North Athens, days on market have remained stable and number of sales actually increased a bit.

Stay tuned, next week I'll be bringing you more Athens, Georgia area market trends and housing statistics!